The Art of Companion Planting with Perennials

Solomon's Seal Plant

Solomon's Seal Plant is a hardy perennial that produces subtle white blooms in the spring and summer months. When fully matured, it can reach a height of up to six feet. This shade-loving perennial possesses gently arching stems that are dark green. By the formal name of Polygonatum Biflorum, this herbaceous flower can be a great addition to any shade garden. The Solomon's Seal Plant Is Deer-Resistant This deer-resistant flower yields many tiny flowers that take on the shape of a bell. These one-inch pendant flowers will hang down in pairs from an arching, unbranched stem. Each stem will host ten or more pairs of flowers. These fragrant blooms will smell refreshingly like lilies. As the summer turns into fall, the Solomon's Seal Plant will drop their lovely bell-shaped flowers and replace them with non-edible berries. The Luring Berries Of The Solomon's Seal Plant These berries will be blue-to-black and attract wildlife like birds and squirrels that forage. This flower's long, four-inch leaves will transition into an attractive yellow color during the autumn months. This long-living perennial is a favorite for many home gardens as it adds depth and contrast. These dense colonies of arching stems are highly tolerant of many adverse conditions. They pair well with ferns in any home garden. Native to the eastern region of North America, this deciduous flower is well-known to be a great pollinator for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. This perennial is often used to prevent soil erosion in unstabilized areas. Solomon's Seal Plant Grows In Large Colonies Solomon's Seal plant will flourish in large colonies and is easygreen thumbs. These thick and fleshy flowers get their name fr rhizomes with rounded scars. These scars appear to resemble two inverted triangles, the known symbol of King Solomon.

Jack In The Pulpit

Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) is a unique, perennial woodland plant native to North America. It is known for its distinctive flower structure and striking appearance. It's often found in moist, shaded forest areas and is a favorite among wildflower enthusiasts. It is also commonly known as Indian Turnip, Brown Dragon, bog onion, Wild Turnip, and American Wake Robin. The most recognizable feature of Jack-in-the-Pulpit is its unusual "flower," which is actually a spathe (the "pulpit") that forms a hooded, tube-like structure, often green with purple or brown stripes. A spadix (the "Jack") is inside the spathe, which holds the plant's tiny, inconspicuous flowers. After flowering, the plant develops clusters of bright red berries, typically in late summer or early fall. These berries are toxic if ingested. Jack In The Pulpit's  Requirements Jack in the Pulpit is hardy in zones 4-9, meaning it can tolerate various climates. This plan prefers partial to full shade, mimicking the dappled light of its native forest habitat. Jack-in-the-Pulpit is an excellent choice for woodland or shade gardens, providing a natural, wildflower feel. It also works well in areas of the garden that are hard to fill due to shade or moisture, as it thrives in such conditions. Growth Of The Jack In The Pulpit Jack-in-the-Pulpit can be monoecious or dioecious. Smaller plants usually produce male flowers, while larger, older plants produce female flowers. Depending on size and growing conditions, some plants may switch from male to female. The berries can cause irritation if ingested, so it is important to keep pets and children away from them. Despite this, the red berries are an important food source for certain wildlife, like birds. When Jack In The Pulpit Blooms Jack in the Pulpit is straightforward to grow and care for. Blooms appear in mid-to-late spring, covering the spadix. By the end of the summer, the spadix disappears, and the cluster of green, then ripe red berries appears, so for months, your garden is decorated with color. 

Blue Lobelia

Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) is also called Great Blue Lobelia or Blue Cardinal Flower. It is a striking native wildflower known for its bright blue tubular flowers, which grow densely along tall spikes, creating a dramatic vertical element in the garden.  Each flower has two lips: two lobes in the upper lip and three lobes in the lower lip, giving it a unique shape that resembles snapdragons. A native North American perennial, it is known for its appeal to pollinators. Blue Lobelia is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9 and grows to 2 to 3 feet tall when mature. It forms clumps as it matures. Divide the clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. It flowers from late summer to early fall (August to October), providing late-season color when many other plants have finished blooming. Blue Lobelia requires consistent moisture, making it ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and wetland areas. It is often used to help manage stormwater and reduce runoff in these environments.  Blue Lobelia Care Watering It is a moisture-loving plant! Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. It can even handle occasional standing water in areas with wet summers, making it ideal for rain gardens or near water features. Light Requirements Blue Lobelia prefers full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can help protect it from intense sunlight, which can otherwise dry the soil too quickly. Soil This plant thrives in rich, well-drained soil that holds moisture, preferably a slightly acidic to neutral soil. Mulching A 2-3 inch layer of mulch will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Fertilizing Blue Lobelia generally does not require heavy fertilizing. An early spring application of balanced fertilizer can help encourage new growth, especially in nutrient-poor soils. Deadheading and Pruning Remove the spent flowers to extend the blooming period and curb excessive self-seeding if you want to control spread. In late fall, cut back the stems to tidy up the plant for winter. Division Divide the clumps in spring every 2-3 years to maintain plant health, encourage vigor, and prevent overcrowding. Division also helps to manage its spread in the garden. Winter Care Blue Lobelia is hardy in Zones 4-9 and generally doesn't need special winter care. Applying a light layer of mulch after the ground freezes in colder zones can protect the roots from extreme cold.   Uses Of The Blue Lobelia  Blue Lobelia is a fantastic addition to rain gardens, bog gardens, ponds, and areas with moist soil. The vivid blue flowers are highly decorative and provide a stunning focal point in moist, shady garden areas or native plantings. It's great for naturalized gardens, native plantings, or wildflower meadows, where pollinators are drawn to the nectar hidden deep in the flower tube. It pairs well with complementary plants like yellow Black-eyed Susans or white asters.

Milkweed Plant

Milkweed Plant is an easy-to-grow plant that is essential for many butterfly gardens. Several characteristics that appeal to gardeners and butterfly watchers alike include its size, flowering time, sturdiness, and natural attraction for butterflies. They are typically found in Zones 3 to 9. It enjoys full sun but can deal with a bit of shade here and there. Milkweed Plants Can Get Up To 5 Feet High They usually appear in bunches of strong green stalks that could reach up to 5 feet high but typically 2 to 4 feet. Thanks to the sturdy nature of these stems, there is no need to prop them up; they will stand on their own. The leaves are various shades of green, thick and robust. They grow to about 6 to 8 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide. It is ideal for planting to place these about 18 inches apart. Additionally, this flower requires no fertilizers and does well in less-than-perfect soil. Their flower pods grow from the top of the flower and are usually found in small groups, producing many flowers at once. The flowers grow to about .75 inches and .4 inches wide. They are generally light to dark pink and let off a lovely, sweet scent. The Milkweed Plant Grows Fruit Pods Fruit pods also grow on Milkweed plants. They are about 4 inches long and shaped like a sphere, with little nubs growing on them. The pods start out green and, as they mature, turn brown. At this stage, they can be used for flower arrangements. Once they dry completely, they will split open. Many seeds can be taken from one pod. Milkweed Plant Is a Vital Butterfly Garden Plant Finally, the Milkweed plant is an ideal and vital flower for Monarch Butterflies. Not only do they eat the leaves, but they also form their chrysalis and mature and hatch on the very same flower.